Fall Storytime Opportunities at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is offering several exciting storytime programs for kids of all ages this fall.

The library will begin its fall season of popular preschool storytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., beginning September 22-November 10. Children ages birth - 5 may attend these free drop-in events. The 30 minute programs feature fingerplays, stories, music and more designed to develop age-appropriate early literacy skills.

Adults may select from two storytimes depending upon the needs of the child. Children who are able to sit in storytime on their own may attend the Preschool program where content is geared towards ages 3-5; children who prefer to be accompanied by an adult may attend the Baby & Me program where material is appropriate for ages birth-2. Both programs are held simultaneously at 10 a.m. No registration is necessary.

Preschool Open Playtime will also be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:45 am-12:00 pm, and on Fridays from 11 am-2 pm. These free drop-in play dates will be held in the Martin Room and offer kids ages 1-5 games, toys and activities to promote early literacy skill development. All young participants must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is necessary.

School age children in grades 1-5 are invited to spend 15 min. reading to one of the library's specially-trained listening dogs in the Ruff Readers Program beginning September 21. The canine friends visit the library on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-5 pm, Wednesdays from 3-4 pm, and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 pm. Time slots are available on a first come/first served basis or may be reserved by contacting the Youth Services Dept at 262.636.9245. This is a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener.

Afternoon and evening family storytimes are being scheduled for the fall months as well. These programs generally feature stories, activities and simple crafts for families to share together. Contact the Youth Services Department at 262.636.9245 for program dates, times and topics.

All storytime events are free and open to the public. For a complete up-to-the-minute account of what's new at the library, visit us on-line. You'll find the Racine Public Library on the web at facebook.com, rplinfo.blogspot.com, and most recently at twitter.com/racinelibrary (get hourly recommendations of new books
being added!).

Summer Storytime Opportunites at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is offering several exciting storytime programs for kids of all ages this summer.

The library will begin its summer season of popular preschool storytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., from June 23-July 29. Children from birth to age 5 may attend these free drop-in events. The 30 minute programs feature fingerplays, stories, music and more designed to develop age-appropriate early literacy skills. Adults may select from two storytimes depending upon the needs of the child. Children who are able to sit in storytime on their own may attend the Preschool program where content is geared towards ages 3-5; children who prefer to be accompanied by an adult may attend the Toddler program where material is appropriate for ages 1-3. Both programs are held simultaneously at 10 a.m. No registration is necessary.

School age children in grades 1-5 are invited to spend 15 min. reading to one of the library's specially-trained listening dogs in the Ruff Readers Program beginning June 22. The canine friends visit the library on various days and times, and time slots are available on a first come/first served basis. For a schedule of open time slots please contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245. This is a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener.

Kids ages 6-10 and their families are invited to attend "Be Creative @ Your Library," an hour-long monthly event where participants explore different topics through stories, activities, and crafts. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Call the Library's Youth Services at 636.9245. "Be Creative @ Your Library" programs are as follows:

• Thursday, June 25 at 1:30 p.m. – Exploring Calligraphy
  
  
• Tuesday, July 21 at 1:30 p.m. – The Art of Origami
  
  
• Saturday, August 8 at 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Family Fun Day (no registration required) – a drop in program with games, crafts, activities and special guests.

All storytime events are free and open to the public.

Kids' Summer Chess Club

Beginning Wednesday, June 24, members of the Racine Public Library's TeenSpace Leadership group will host a weekly chess club for youth ages 6-18 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. No experience is necessary as beginner instruction is available. Efforts will be made to pair players of comparable skill level. Parents are welcome to attend with their child.

Table space is limited so registration is recommended. For more information or to reserve a playing spot, please contact the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9245, email Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info, or visit the Youth Services Dept. Information Desk.

Library's Ruff Readers Program Begins Spring/Summer Season

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St.,, is once again hosting its popular Ruff Readers Read-to-the-dogs program this spring. The library has invited registered therapy dogs from Proper Paws University and the Racine Kennel Club to spend afternoons listening to kids read. Students in grades 1-5 may visit the Youth Services department on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m.. to enjoy a 15-minute private session reading to these gentle, non-judgmental listeners. Although registration is not required, time slots are available on a first come/first serve basis unless a child calls ahead to reserve a spot. Slots may be reserved ahead of time by contacting the Library at 262.636.9245. Students who attend 3 or more reading sessions will have their picture taken with their favorite listening dog. These pictures will then be made into a keepsake "READ" postcard for the child to take with them and to have posted on a library display.

Studies have shown that children find reading to an animal less intimidating than reading to adults or peers. This unique event can transform a sometimes dreaded reading experience into a positive activity in which learning is facilitated. The Ruff Readers program is designed to encourage children to embrace the joy and fun of reading. Although our handlers and their dogs are wonderful listeners, they are not able to tutor children in reading skills. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite reading material or ask a librarian for a recommended selection.

For more information bout the Ruff Readers program, please contact the library at 636-9245.

Thursday, April 30: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day @ the Racine Public Library

Children's Day/Book Day, or El Día de los Niños/El Día De Los Libros, is a gift from the Latino community to all children. Many nations throughout the world celebrate "Día de los Niños" to honor children—who represent the hope and dreams of every community.

In the United States, a growing number of cities, schools, libraries, museums, churches and other community organizations are embracing this celebration by planning fun and exciting events designed to capture childrens' imaginations, involve family and community, and to inspire new generations of achievers.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a Children's Day/Book Day celebration on Thursday, April 30 from 6-8 p.m. with a special performance by Ballet Folklórico Nacional, a storytime with bilingual storyteller Dixie Van Remmen, arts & crafts projects, and refreshments. The program is free and open to all; no registration is required.

Ballet Folklórico Nacional of Milwaukee is an innovative, theatrical body of dancers committed to the preservation of one of the richest artistic manifestations of tradition and culture in Mexico – "El Folklore". The group was founded by enthusiastic dancers with different degrees of experience in Mexican folk dance and traditional Aztec dance, and with a mission to promote Mexican Folklore dance with quality and authenticity. Every performance lights up the stage with its dazzling costumes and colorful depictions of Mexico's diverse culture and folklore. The repertoire includes such regional dances as Traditional Aztec Dance, Michoacan, Durango, Veracruz, Chiapas, Yucatan, Sonora, Norte (Polkas), Oaxaca and Jalisco including "Floreo de Soga" Trick Roping.

For more information contact the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9245.

Black History Focus of "Adventures in Stories" on Tuesday, February 24

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host the monthly "Adventures in Stories" program for kids ages 5-10 and their families on Tuesday, February 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the library's Youth Services Dept.

This monthly program features stories and simple crafts/activities for kids to enjoy with their families. Each program explores a different theme. February's featured topic will be Black History, highlighting some of the best African American author's in children's literature and stories about the culture and heritage of African Americans.

The program is free, open to the public, and no registration is necessary. For more information contact the library at 262.636.9245.

Storytime Opportunities at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is offering several exciting storytime programs for kids of all ages.

You'll find the library's enthusiastic storytellers on the road this week as they perform two events for kids from ages 3-8. On Thursday, January 15, a preschool storytime will be presented at Tyler Domer Recreation Center from 1:30-2:00 p.m., featuring fun and interactive stories and music. On Saturday, January 17, a storyteller will be present at JavaVino Café at 424 Main St., to present an hour of stories and a simple craft to kids ages 3-8 and their families.

The library will also start its winter season of popular preschool storytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., from January 20-March 11. Children from birth to age 5 may attend these 30 min. events. The programs feature fingerplays, stories, music and more designed to develop age-appropriate early literacy skills. Children who are able to sit in storytime on their own may attend the Preschool program. Children who prefer to be accompanied by an adult may attend the Infant & Toddler program. Both programs are held simultaneously at 10 a.m.

School age children in grades 1-5 are invited to spend 15 min. reading to one of the library's specially-trained listening dogs in the Ruff Readers Program. Our canine friends visit the library on Mondays from 4-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 pm. This is a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener. Time slots available on a first-come/first-served basis. This season's Ruff Readers program will begin on Monday, Jan. 19, 2009.

Kids ages 4-10 and their families are also invited to attend "Adventures in Stories," an hour-long monthly event where participants explore different topics through stories and crafts. The next event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Join our storytellers as we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

All storytime events are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.

Storytimes at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., offers several opportunities for youth ages birth to 10 to participate in storytime events this fall. All programs are free and no registration is necessary. All programs take place in the Youth Services Dept. For more information, contact the library at 262.636.9245.

From Sept. 23-Nov. 12, families of children ages birth-5 may attend a 20-30 minute storytime with their young listeners. Storytimes feature stories, songs, and activities designed to teach early literacy skills. All programs are held at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Caregivers should select one of the following programs best suited to their child's developmental needs:

• Baby and Toddler Storytime: For children 3 and younger who are accompanied by an adult.
  
  
• Preschool Storytime: For children 3-5 years of age who are able to sit independently.
  

In addition to these, the library also offers programs for school age youth:

• Saturday Stories: This program held at JavaVino, 424 Main St., from 9:30-10:30 a.m., features stories and crafts for families of children ages 3-8. Families are invited to enjoy a relaxing morning in a warm and fun atmosphere! Beginning in September, the program will be held on the first and third Saturdays. Coffee, tea and light breakfast items are available for purchase.
  
  
• Ruff Readers: Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to read to our specially-trained listening dogs on Mondays 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays 4-5 p.m. and Thursdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. 15 minute time slots are available on a first come/first serve basis.
  

Adventures in Stories is a storytelling program for families with children ages 5-10, combining storytelling (sometimes with a bilingual twist), crafts, and other fun activities. Kids explore a different theme for every event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For the latest and most up-to-date information about the happenings at the Racine Public Library visit rplinfo.blogspot.com. Your comments are always welcome and may be posted to the blog or emailed to info@racinelibrary.info. You may also visit the Racine Public Library at racinelibrary.info or on Facebook, Myspace, Flickr, and YouTube.

Instructional Chess Workshops at the Library

EL ChessAcademics LLC will hold a series of instructional chess workshops at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., during the month of August. Kids in grades 3-8 are invited to attend these free programs on Mondays from 6:30-8:00 pm on August 4, 11, 18 and 25. All levels of chess players are welcome.

Space is limited and registration for the workshops is required. Registration forms are available at the Racine Public Library Youth Services Information desk or on the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info. Forms must be completed and turned in to the Racine Public Library by Monday, July 28.

In the workshops, students will learn placement and movement of chess pieces, chess terminology, fundamentals of the game, and an introduction to the use of clocks and chess notation. Students will be paired with other players according to knowledge of the game and will receive an introduction to tournament style chess playing.

Chess instruction will be facilitated by Edward Larkin, President and Founder of EL ChessAcademics, using th Chess Academy's "Chess, Math and Extended Response Workbook" currently being used in the Chicago area schools and community. EL ChessAcademics is an affiliate of the USCF.

For more information about EL ChessAcademics or the workshops please contact Edward Larkin at 262.672.1440 or elarkin1@mac.com.

Storytellers "Going Buggy" at the Library

It appears that storytellers at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., have done more than "Catch the Reading Bug" during this summer's reading challenge…they've gone downright "buggy!"

On Thursday, July 24 from 1:30-2:30 pm the library's animated and enthusiastic storytellers will be sharing their favorite stories and crafts about insects of all types. Kids ages 5-10 and their families are invited to share in the bug-mania during this free program in the Youth Services Dept.

Kids ages 5-10 will also want to mark the calendar for "Miss Spider's Tea Party," coming to the library on Thursday, July 31 at 1:30 p.m. The beloved "Miss Spider" from the popular Daniel Kirk picture books will be on hand to lead stories, games, crafts and more. No registration is necessary for this free event.

For more information about library programs and services call 262.636.9245, or visit the website at www.racinelibrary.info and blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com.

Library's Ruff Readers Program Continues

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is continuing to offer its popular Ruff Readers Read-to-the-dogs program during the summer months. The library has invited registered therapy dogs from Proper Paws University and the Racine Kennel Club to spend afternoons listening to kids read. Students in grades 1-5 may visit the Youth Services department on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy a 15-minute private session reading to these gentle, non-judgmental listeners. Although registration is not required, it is recommended. Time slots will be available on a first come/first serve basis unless a child is pre-registered. Students who attend 3 or more reading sessions will have their picture taken with their favorite listening dog. These pictures will then be made into a keepsake "READ" postcard for the child to take with them and to have posted on a library display.

Studies have shown that children find reading to an animal less intimidating than reading to adults or peers. This unique event can transform a sometimes dreaded reading experience into a positive activity in which learning is facilitated. The Ruff Readers program is designed to encourage children to embrace the joy and fun of reading. Although our handlers and their dogs are wonderful listeners, they are not able to tutor children in reading skills. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite reading material or ask a librarian for a recommended selection.

For more information bout the Ruff Readers program, please contact the library at 636-9245.

Story Time at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., offers several opportunities for youth ages birth to 10 to participate in storytime events this summer. All programs are free and no registration is necessary. All programs take place in the Youth Services Dept. For more information, contact the library at 262.636.9245.

Through July 23, families of children ages birth-5 may attend a 20-30 minute storytime with their young listeners. Storytimes feature stories, songs, and activities designed to teach early literacy skills. All programs are held at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Caregivers should select one of the following programs best t suited to their child's developmental needs:

Baby and Toddler Storytime: For children 3 and younger who are accompanied by an adult.

Preschool Storytime: For children 3-5 years of age who are able to sit independently.

In addition to these, the library also offers programs for school age youth:

School-age Storytime: This 30 minute program is held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for kids ages 6-10. Program will explore different genres of literature and includes an activity.

Saturday Stories: This program held at JavaVino, 424 Main St., from 9:30-10:30 a.m., features stories and crafts for families of children ages 3-8. Families are invited to enjoy a relaxing morning in a warm and fun atmosphere! No registration necessary. Summer storytimes will be held on July 12 and August 2. Beginning in September, the program will be held on the first and third Saturdays.

Adventures in Stories is a storytelling program for families with children ages 5-10, combining storytelling (sometimes with a bilingual twist), crafts, and other fun activities. Kids explore a different theme for every event. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• On Thursday, July 24 at 1:30 p.m. the library's storytellers will present "Going Buggy," featuring books about bugs.

• On Thursday, July 31 at 1:30 p.m. the library will host "Miss Spider's Tea Party," to wrap up this year's summer reading program.

Call the library at 262.636.9245 for more information or to register for programs. For the latest and most up-to-date information about the happenings at the Racine Public Library visit rplinfo.blogspot.com. Your comments are always welcome and may be posted to the blog or emailed to info@racinelibrary.info. You may also visit the Racine Public Library at racinelibrary.info or on Facebook, Myspace, Flickr, and YouTube.

Beginning Monday, June 16: Summer Reading Challenge: Catch the Reading Bug / Metamorphosis

What insect attacks with a sharp beak and then sucks out body fluids? Which bug's bright orange wings warn that it's poisonous? Where can we find these answers? Try the 2008 summer reading challenge at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., and the Racine Mobile
Library!

As summer approaches and insects awaken from their winter nap, the library's putting the final touches on its 2008 summer reading challenge, "Catch the Reading Bug/Metamorphosis." From June 16-August 2, readers of all ages are invited to take the challenge,
experiencing special programs, events and performers…and all of it about bugs!

Registration for the reading challenge will begin on June 16 at the Main and Mobile Libraries. Participants of all ages should complete a registration form, available from any public information desk at both locations and turn it in to a librarian to receive a reading record and other challenge information. After reading the required number of items for the appropriate age group, reading records may be turned in for a prize. All readers who turn in a reading record will be eligible for the library's grand prize drawing for a Nintendo Wii.

To celebrate the 2008 Summer Reading Challenge, the library is pleased to host another season of professional entertainers in the Storywagon Series. The following performances will be featured in June and July:

• Thursday, June 19 Bilingual Storyteller Kay Elmsley Weeden
  
• Dance like you have ants in your pants, sing like a cricket, and enjoy stories in other languages with this awesome storyteller.

• Thursday, June 26 Bubbleology with Karl Debelack
  
• Learn how to make a square bubble, blow bubbles inside of bubble, create a spherical octahedral prism, and much more with this master Bubble-ologist!
  

• Thursday, July 10 Singer/Songwriter Allan Lieberman
  
• Join this award-winning singer and songwriter as he presents, "Singing Good and Feeling Good," and interactive musical event for all ages (grownups, too!)

• Thursday, July 17 Nature Education with David Stokes
  
• From the loved (butterflies) to the unloved (spiders), this award-winning educator will use live creatures, animal artifacts, and just plain silliness to help you learn about "Slugs and Bugs."
  

All performances begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Youth Services Dept. No registration is necessary and all programs are free. Sign language interpreters are available for these performances with advance notice. Contact the library at 262.636.9245
for more information. The Storywagon Series is sponsored by Lakeshores Library System and supported in part with LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant funds.

Summer Story Times @ the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will hold its summer season of storytimes from June 17-July 23 for children ages birth to 10. These free drop-in programs feature 20-30 minutes of entertaining stories and activities designed to develop early literacy skills in pre-readers and further encourage skills and a love of reading in older children. Parents are encouraged to select the storytime that best fits their child's developmental needs. The following programs are available:

• Mother Goose Storytime –Tues. & Wed. at 10 a.m.
• Recommended for children ages birth to 3 who are more comfortable with a parent or guardian present. Stories and activities are shorter in length and focus on skills such as print motivation, print awareness, and letter knowledge. Adult involvement is encouraged. This is a free program; no registration necessary.

• Preschool Storytime –Tues. & Wed. at 10 a.m. Best suited for children ages 3-5 who are able to sit independently.
• Stories and activities are longer in length and encompass narrative skills, phonological awareness and vocabulary among other skills. This is a free program; no registration is necessary.
  

• Big Sib Storytime – Wed. at 10 a.m. only (Registration required)
• This program for older kids ages 6-10 will explore different genres of books through interactive storytelling and activities. This is will be a hands-on group featuring reader's theater, science experiments, and other great explorations. Registration is required for this free program; call 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.
  

Questions about library programs may be directed to the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245.

Saturday, June 14: Emmy Award Winning Storyteller Performs at the Library

Families are invited to join the Racine Public Library and the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast as they commemorate Juneteenth Day, a national African American freedom holiday, with a special guest performance by Emmy Award winning storyteller Bobby Norfolk. This unique event will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. The event is free and open to the public; no registration is necessary.

Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrations throughout the city of Racine, including an all day event at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center, focus on education and recognizing achievement.

This Juneteenth Day program will feature an exciting performance of The Story of Henry 'Box' Brown and other Extraordinary Tales by internationally known story performer Bobby Norfolk. This three-time Emmy Award winner and Parents' Choice honoree is one of the most popular and dynamic story-educators in the country today. A St. Louis native, Bobby Norfolk began his career as a stand up comedian in area comedy clubs. With a background in comedy and theatre, he naturally turned to storytelling and became a full-time teller in 1987. He is well known for his high-energy performances and lively animation. His stories promote character education, cultural diversity and self-esteem, and are geared for audiences of all ages. Bobby is truly a gift for the imagination!

This rare Racine performance will feature the story of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave born in Virginia in 1816, who sealed himself in a small wooden box and had it shipped to friends and freedom. His narrative was published in 1849 to raise funds so that Brown could purchase freedom for his wife and children. He traveled the northern states speaking against slavery before the Fugitive Slave Law forced him to flee the country. In this theatrical reenactment, Bobby breathes life into this amazing story of a slave turned hero, along with other tales of ordinary people taking extraordinary risks in the name of freedom. Questions about the performance may be directed to the Racine Public Library, 262.636.9245.

Catch the Reading Bug this Summer!

Summer is fast approaching and, as always, that means the start of the summer reading program at the Racine Public Library. Summer reading will run from June 16 - August 2. We'll post even more information as it becomes available.

Just a reminder...Racine Public Library May 3 program

Adventures in Stories @ the Library

With Mother's Day just around the corner, the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, is hosting an "Adventures in Stories" program on Saturday, May 3 from 2-3 p.m. featuring stories and crafts celebrating Mom. The event is designed for ages 5-10 and will include the making of a gift for kids to give to Mom for Mother's Day. No registration is necessary for this free program. For more information contact the library at 262.636.9245.

Saturday, May 3: Racine Public Library's Super Saturday Activities for Ages 3-17

Saturday, May 3 is turning out to be Super Saturday for the Racine Public Library. The library, located at 75 Seventh St., is offering several programs for youth ages 3 to 17 and their families.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., children ages 3 to 7 and their families are invited to morning storytime at JavaVino Coffee and Wine shop at 424 Main St. This is a relaxing way to start your day, sharing breakfast, stories and simple crafts with the library's animated and entertaining storytellers. These Saturday Stories are held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. The events are free and open to all. No registration is necessary.

With Mother's Day just around the corner, the library is offering "Adventures in Stories: Celebrating Mom!" from 2-3 p.m. for kids ages 5-10 years old. The program will feature stories and the making of a gift for kids to give to Mom for Mother's Day. Registration is required for the craft and may be made by calling 262.636.9245.

Teens ages 11-17 are invited to attend the monthly TeenSpace from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the library's Atrium. Once a month the library turns this area into a teen-only place to hang out, offering Wii and Playstation II gaming, free internet, board games, snacks and more. No registration is necessary, but gaming space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

JOIN THE CIRCLE OF KNOWLEDGE @ YOUR LIBRARY: Celebrate National Library Week at the Racine Public Library, April 13-19

It's National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide - and the perfect time to discover how you can join the circle of knowledge @ your library.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is celebrating National Library Week in several ways. All events are free and open to the public.

• Children ages 11 and younger are invited to participate in the Culver's drawing contest throughout the month of April. Drawing sheets may be picked up from the Youth Services Department at the Racine Public Library. Children are encouraged to draw book characters they would like to meet at the library. Every child who completes a drawing will receive a "Be Our Guest" coupon for a free single scoop of frozen custard from Culver's and be entered into a random drawing to win additional prizes from Culver's, including a kickball and mini lantern. Drawings will be displayed at the Racine Public Library through the month of April.
  
  
• The annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale is being held Friday, April 11 from 3-5pm (Members only); Saturday, April 12 from 1-5pm; and Sunday, April 13 from 2-5pm.
  
  
• The Eloquent Author School of Writing will host a writers' workshop entitled "Time to Write: No Excuses!" on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is suggested; call 262.636.9217.
  
  
• Join fellow poetry enthusiasts at JavaVino Wine and Coffee Shop, 424 Main St., on Thursday, April 17 from 7-9 p.m. for the library's monthly Poetry Roundtable.
  
  
• Award-winning Poet and Authoer David Kherdian will be the featured guest at a poetry reading and informal reception at the library on Friday, April 18 from 4-6 p.m. The author will be signing books and his books will be available for purchase.
  
  
• Families with children ages 3-8 are invited Saturday Stories, a family story and craft event at JavaVino Coffee shop on Saturday, April 19 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  
  
• The Racine Public Library Foundation Emily Lee Awards Lunch will be held on Sunday, April 20 at the Racine Marriott, at 1pm. Tickets are $35 each; tables of 8 are $250. Contact Jessica MacPhail, 262.636.9252, for more information.
  

"Everyday, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses help transform their communities," says Jessica MacPhail, Library Director. "At our library, people of all backgrounds can come together for community meetings, lectures and programs, to do research with the assistance of a trained professional, to find good books to read, to get a job or to find homework help, or to search the Internet for information."

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

For more information, visit the Racine Public Library at 75 Seventh Street; call 262.636.9217, or visit the online library at www.racinelibrary.info.

Step Up to the Plate @ Your Library: Racine Public Library Sponsors Baseball Literacy Contest

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., joins the American Library Association and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in inviting people of all ages to "Step Up to the Plate @ your library." This year's program includes a special "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" theme in honor of the 100th anniversary of this traditional song.

"Step Up to the Plate @ your library" teams up two American classics – baseball and libraries – to promote the importance of information literacy skills and increase awareness of the library as an essential information resource. People of all ages are encouraged to visit their library and answer a series of trivia questions inspired by "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Categories of questions include ballparks, baseball in popular culture, fan experience and baseball pioneers.

Everyone who successfully completes the program will be eligible to win a trip for two to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The program begins April 4, 2008 and runs through September 5, 2008.

"Reading has always been a key skill," explains Library Director Jessica MacPhail. "But today's literacy is about more than reading. Information literate people are those who have learned how to learn. They know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information, and how to apply that knowledge once it is located."

The "Step Up to the Plate @ your library" program is designed to test players' information literacy skills by challenging them to answer questions like "What popular broadcaster began the practice of singing 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' over the microphone during the seventh-inning stretch?", "Which Chicago Cubs broadcaster went on to become the 40th President of the United States?" and "In what year was the first major league baseball game shown on television?"

Unlike most contests, players are encouraged to look up the answers using both print and online sources at their library.

Players can pick up a copy of the "Step Up to the Plate" Playbook appropriate for their age group at the library or on the program's Web site at www.ala.org/baseball. Each Playbook poses a series of baseball-related questions to test players' information literacy skills. Players can enter the prize drawing by submitting the completed playbook either by mail or online.

For more information about the program, visit www.ala.org/baseball . More information on the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is available at www.baseballhall.org.